Logo courtesy of Yuba City

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – Yuba City is preparing to overhaul aging equipment at its wastewater treatment plant following approval of an expanded engineering contract.

The City Council approved an additional $98,878 for design services on its Oct. 20 consent agenda, bringing the city's agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to $198,523.

The project focuses on rehabilitating a secondary clarifier, which separates biological solids from wastewater before it proceeds through further treatment and discharge, officials said. The city's 2020 Wastewater Master Plan identified the clarifier as a priority for rehabilitation to maintain reliable operations.

The original $99,645 agreement covered an equipment assessment and structural design. As planning progressed, the Public Works Department determined that broader mechanical, electrical and construction planning was necessary.

In July, the council authorized up to $650,000 to purchase a replacement clarifier mechanism from Walker Process Equipment through MuniQuip LLC. That purchase is separate from the Jacobs contract. Under the expanded agreement, Jacobs will integrate the new mechanism into construction documents covering demolition, protective coatings and installation. Engineers will also determine whether existing electrical conduits and wiring can be reused or must be replaced.

The coordination is intended to prevent conflicting requirements and unexpected complications once construction begins, city officials said.

Jacobs will prepare drawings, cost estimates and bid specifications. The Public Works Department will oversee the project and coordinate delivery of the city-purchased equipment.

The engineering amendment will be paid through the city's wastewater fund. Construction expenditures will be determined separately as the project advances toward bidding.

Construction-phase engineering services are not included in the current amendment and could be added later if needed.

The city will coordinate taking the clarifier temporarily out of service so engineers can document its dimensions and existing conditions before finalizing plans, officials said.